Over the last few years, you may have heard that libraries and schools across the U.S. are removing “pornography” from shelves, especially books that children or teens might access. That framing sounds reasonable at first. Most people agree that libraries shouldn’t hand explicit adult material to kids. But when you look more closely at which … Continue reading Queer Book Bans: What’s Really Happening When Queer Books Get Labeled “Pornography”
Tag: politics
Who We Grieve – And Why
I’ve been thinking a lot about the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Like many people, I’m angry. I’m heartbroken. I want accountability. No one should die at the hands of the state. Ever. But to be honest, I’ve been extremely uneasy with parts of the discourse that’s emerged in response. I keep seeing … Continue reading Who We Grieve – And Why
I will not be inconspicuous
I realize this is a privilege we don't all have. But I do, so I will be obvious. Fascism isn't hiding. Hate is proudly announcing itself and painting itself as righteous. Hate is going to come for a lot of people, and too many people who don't hate aren't doing much, if anything, to stop … Continue reading I will not be inconspicuous
Institutions will not save us
To all my fellow writers: There was a book published back in the late 1970s about the Holocaust, in which the author concluded that while there were a lot of individuals who did speak out and attempt to do what they could to push back on Nazi policies and protect Jewish people and others who … Continue reading Institutions will not save us
Violence is never “senseless”
Another act of violence is in the news this morning, and a lot of people are calling out the "senseless" nature of it. And I know that the sentiment behind it is to convey a sense of tragedy, but words matter. And when we say it's senseless, we're saying that it makes no sense, which … Continue reading Violence is never “senseless”
Creative Resistance
Throwing out sparks
For many of us who live in the U.S., this is a frightening time. I feel the ball of anxiety tightening in my chest everyday, triggering a queasy feeling, an uneasiness that hovers around me. My concern for this country and the people in it is at unprecedented levels - I am, at times, actually … Continue reading Throwing out sparks
Notes in the Margins 